Join me and “The Goal Patrol” LIVE ON PERISCOPE: Mondays 8:30pm CST. Follow me @IAmCoachAndrea. See you guys there!!!
~The Financial Hack ©2015
All posts by thefinancialhack
ZERO-BALANCE BUDGET WORKSHEET
As promised, here’s the PDF file (courtesy of DaveRamsey.com) for the MONTHLY ZERO BALANCE BUDGET WORKSHEET. Until I create a worksheets tab for the website, you can find the worksheet HERE:
MONTHLY CASH FLOW PLAN/ZERO BUDGET WORKSHEET
Click “Continue To Article” and follow the steps to download the worksheet.
If you are unable to open the PDF file, email me at AndreaColeman@TheFinancialHack.com and I will email you the PDF File directly. (Don’t worry. This is a SPAM-FREE ZONE!!!)
KEY POINT TO REMEMBER: The purpose of the ZERO BASED BUDGET is to assign EVERY dollar a place at the beginning of EACH MONTH. It is important to revisit your budget frequently throughout the month as you begin shifting the direction of your money to tailor your financial goals.
GOOD LUCK!!!
~The Financial Hack
REWIND ON PERISCOPE TV: THE SECRET TO A “STRESS FREE” VACATION
CHECK OUT THE REPLAY OF LAST NIGHT’S “SCOPING AFTER DARK”
Look for new “Scopes” where I’ll be dropping plenty of “F” bombs… We’re talking FINANCES that is, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT AT 8:30pm CST. Join us.
THE ULTIMATE STRESS-FREE VACAY
Oh if I could only have SEVEN MORE DAYS… I’d probably ask for seven more.
I’m back from vacationing feeling relaxed and refreshed but slowly transitioning back to “the real world.” As I reflect on the good times, the smiles and the laughter, there was something different about THIS particular vacation. It wasn’t because Mista and I were together (although that had a lot to do with it,) and it wasn’t necessarily because I got to spend time with a great group of people (although they played an integral role in making my vacation more enjoyable~Happy Birthday Teresa!) but looking at my vacation canvas from a financial perspective, this vacation was like that of no other. But what was different about this vacation? I couldn’t put my finger on it at first, then it hit me…..
THIS WAS MY FIRST DEBT-FREE VACATION!!!
In all my years of traveling, I had never traveled DEBT FREE. A weekend getaway here, a few days there was fun, but it was nothing compared to the feeling from my past trip that still lingers. I casually strolled about the ship as if I didn’t have a care in the world. I could truly appreciate taking in the sea air, closing my eyes and slowly exhaling while watching the sun set from our balcony. For the first time in my life, I felt an overwhelming sense of “calm.”
The key to having the “ULTIMATE STRESS-FREE VACATION” is to travel debt-free. Being debt-free is a feeling like no other and traveling debt-free is an even greater feeling.
How many times have you vacationed and had the time of your life only to have those feelings of euphoria doused after returning home because of the dreaded credit card statement that is sure to follow?
If you are not debt-free, you should not take a vacation.
While traveling, I was able to read Michelle Singletary’s book “The 21-Day Financial Fast” ($15.99-Barnes and Noble.) She wrote of a speaking engagement where a young lady stood and proudly stated she was able to save approximately $2500-$3000 on an impending vacation. She was asked by Ms. Singletary if she had any debt, to which the young lady replied, “Yes.” Ms. Singletary advised her she should not take the vacation she saved for and to use the money to pay down her debt. I’ve got your back on that one Michelle. She spoke absolute truth.
In the past, I could never truly relax going on “vacation” even on those weekend getaways (sometimes alone) knowing I was in debt. I have passed on TWO trips to Africa and one trip to London because my finances were not in order. I felt if I was in debt, it was in my best interest NOT to go on vacation.
Now. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time off from work. We ALL need that. However, if you are in debt, it is wise to use any monies saved towards a vacation to pay down debt and delay that vacation. NO SACRIFICE NO REWARD. Look at the big picture. It all boils down to discipline and delaying gratification. I’m sure this isn’t what you want to hear, but I promise you, If you follow this principle, you’ll thank me later.
Don’t misunderstand me. Just because I’m debt free, didn’t mean I broke the bank while traveling. Budgeting for my vacation was like budgeting for any other task. I gave myself a set amount to spend and even allowed myself to splurge a little (like arranging for car/limo service to and from the airport.) After calculating the amount it would cost to use the Park and Fly airport shuttle service coupled with the fact I saved boarding fees for my dog Sherlock because my Mom kept him, I was actually saving money, so why not? I was even able to purchase a few Christmas gifts with the spending money allotted for myself, so I still came in under budget.
So the message I pray you take from this posting is simply this: THE BEST WAY TO TRAVEL IS TO DO SO DEBT-FREE.
CHECK OUT MY LATEST POSTING PERISCOPE TV: THE ULTIMATE “STRESS-FREE” VACATION HERE:
As always, thank you for visiting my site. Feel free to leave your comments/feedback and/or email me at AndreaColeman@TheFinancialHack.com
~The Financial Hack ©2015
ANNOUNCEMENT
IT’S OFFICIAL…. I’M ON VACAY!!! Now I’m getting excited. I’ll be back soon bringing you fresh NEW content. SEA YA!!!
ATTENTION PERI-“SCOPERS”
TWO NEW “SCOPES” ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING:
FINANCIAL DISCIPLINE IS KEY:
CREATIVE SAVING WITHOUT THE EFFORT:
CHECK EM OUT. THE “REPLAYS” WILL BE GONE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT.
Thanks in advance for watching and for your support.
~The Financial Hack ©2015
BLACK FRIDAY:HOW MUCH ARE YOU REALLY SAVING?
Black Friday is upon us. Though I’ve never participated, I’ve heard it’s the day to get the best deals on electronics, clothing, toys, you name it. Watch this video to find out if that statement holds true. You may be surprised.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C_aph50T1s
NEXT SCOPE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 28th
ATTENTION SCOPERS!!!! Next “LIVE” PERISCOPE BROADCAST Saturday, November 28th from 1-2pm CST. I’ll be starting GoalDiggers Boot Camp 101: DISCIPLINE IS KEY.
I’ll also be finishing up questions I didn’t answer last week regarding CREDIT. JOIN ME as we “Whip Your Finances Into Shape!”
Email your questions to me at AndreaColeman@TheFinancialHack.com
SEE YOU THERE!!!
MOTIVATION MONDAY: Frugal Living… It’s tough, but somebody’s gotta do it!!!!
Look around your home. There are probably hundreds of dollars of items you can sell on eBay and Craigslist. Extreme couponing and meal prepping are EXCELLENT ways to save money. And let’s not forget thrift store shopping. Watch to find out more.
UNOFFICIAL PERISCOPE BROADCAST A SUCCESS!!!
MY DAY WAS OFFICIALLY “MADE!”
“PERISCOPE UNOFFICIAL” WENT WELL TODAY. The “Virtual Meet and Greet” ran way longer than expected but you guys were asking such great questions I had to keep it going. I promise next broadcast, the content will be better organized and the questions I didn’t get a chance to address will answered BEFORE new content is presented. There are also a couple of answers I gave that must be double-checked regarding accuracy. I certainly don’t want to misrepresent any info given. I do appreciate all those that tuned in, those that participated and of course all the love/hearts. If you missed it, CHECK OUT THE REPLAY while supplies last. l’ll see you soon!
THE FINANCIAL HACK 